The long line filed on right away to the front of the Rajah’s palace, where the young prince stood waiting, surrounded by his people; and when the gun-carriage with its ghastly burden was drawn up at the foot of the steps, the Rajah came slowly down and stood gazing for a few minutes at his great enemy’s face, before turning and bowing coldly to the English officers, who had dismounted.
“Gentlemen,” he said, “it was not my will that you were attacked. I am glad that you are safe.”
“And we are glad, sir,” said Hulton, “that we can show you how high the honour of the English stands.”
The Rajah gave him a stern look.
“Mr Darrell,” continued Hulton, “you have something to give back to his highness.”
Dick stepped eagerly forward to place the silken bag, bursting with jewels, in the Rajah’s hands.
“Hah!” he exclaimed excitedly. “For the Ranee’s sake I am glad you have brought them back. But it was a vile thing for an English gentleman to do,” he added scornfully.
Dick smiled in his face.
“Hear all first, sir,” he said; and in a few words he told him Sergeant Stubbs’s tale.
The Rajah’s eyes flashed with eagerness.